It was a cold Saturday morning in my driveway. I realized a simple oil change could turn into a fight. My coffee was getting cold on the bench. My car was up on jack stands. I reached up to spin the filter off, but it would not move.
It felt like the last guy to touch it was strong as an ox. My hands were slick with oil. I was getting mad. That is when I learned a lesson. You need to know how to use an oil filter wrench. It is the only way to save your knuckles and your weekend.
Table of Contents
Picking the Right Weapon
One tool does not work for every job. I have a drawer full of them. Every car is different. My wife’s small car has a cramped engine. My old truck has plenty of room. You need to pick the right one.
The Strap Wrench
This is the first tool I grab. It has a band made of metal or nylon. The band gets tight around the filter when you turn the handle. It works well on big filters. You need room to swing the handle for this to work.
But metal bands can slip. Grease makes it hard to grip the can. I learned a trick for this. Put a piece of sandpaper between the strap and the filter. It adds grip right away.
The Cup Wrench
A cup wrench looks like a big socket. It fits right over the bottom of the filter. You attach a ratchet to it and turn. This saves the day in tight spots. It is great for cars where you cannot reach the side of the filter.
I use this on my neighbor’s car often. But be careful before you buy one. Count the flat sides on your filter first. If you buy the wrong size, it will just spin. That is very annoying.
Adjustable Pliers and “Claw” Wrenches
Sometimes, things go wrong. I call this the “nuclear option.” These are big pliers with sharp teeth. Some look like a claw that clamps down. As you turn, they grip harder.
I only use these if the filter is crushed. They bite into the metal can. It is not pretty. It ruins the old filter. But it gets the job done when nothing else works.
Safety and Positioning
Do not go under a hot car yet. I have burn scars to prove why that is bad. The engine is sizzling hot. You need to wait a bit. Set the stage first.
Cool It Down and Jack It Up
Safety comes first. Use good jack stands. Use wheel chocks too. Never trust just the jack. It can drop the car.
Let the engine cool for 20 minutes. Warm oil drains fast, but hot pipes burn skin. I wait until the engine stops making clicking sounds.
The Setup
Grab your gear before you start. Get some nitrile gloves. Used oil is messy and bad for your skin. Put on safety glasses too. A drop of oil in your eye hurts a lot.
Wipe off the filter housing with a rag. Road dirt and oil make it slippery. If the tool slips, you might hit your hand. Knuckles heal slowly, so be careful.
Step-by-Step: Loosening the Stuck Filter
This is the main event. Be patient here. If you rush, you will slip. Do not yank the tool. Here is my method to get it off.
Positioning the Wrench
Slide the wrench up the filter body. Go as close to the engine block as you can. The metal can is strongest at the base.
Do not grip the middle. You might crush the thin metal. Check which way you are turning. “Lefty-Loosey” is the rule. It can be confusing when you are upside down.
Applying the Torque
Pull with slow, steady pressure. Do not hit the wrench. Just pull smoothly. You will feel a “pop.”
That pop is the rubber seal breaking loose. It feels great. The filter will spin freely now. Hot oil will start to drip down the sides. Stop and move your catch pan right under it.
Finish by Hand
Put the tool away now. Unscrew the rest by hand. This lets you manage the hot oil flow.
The filter will be slippery. It is hard to hold. Keep it upright as you lower it. Try not to dump the sludge on your shirt. It takes practice, but you will get it.
Troubleshooting: When the Filter Won’t Budge
Maybe the last person tightened it too much. They might have used a wrench to put it on. That is a big mistake. Now you have to fix it.
The “Crushed Can” Scenario
I have done this. You squeezed too hard. The thin metal wall crumpled. Now the tool just slides off.
Do not panic. Move your grip to the base of the filter. The steel is thick there. You can usually get one last grip to break it loose.
The Screwdriver Myth (Avoid if Possible)
Old mechanics might tell you a trick. They punch a screwdriver through the filter. They use it as a handle to turn. I say do not do this.
It is messy and risky. The metal can tear apart. Then you are left with just a stuck ring. Only do this if you are desperate.
The Re-Install: Put the Wrench Away!
This is the biggest rule in the garage. Wrenches are for taking things off. Hands are for putting things on.
Prep the New Gasket
Dip your gloved finger in new oil. Rub a thin layer on the rubber ring of the new filter.
This oil is vital. It stops the rubber from bunching up. It also keeps the filter from sticking next time.
Hand-Tight Only
Spin the new filter on. Wait until the rubber touches the metal block. Then turn it about three-quarters of a turn more.
Do not use the wrench. If you do, you will regret it later. You will have to fight it again in a few months. Hand-tight is perfect.
FAQs- How to Use an Oil Filter Wrench
Which way do I turn the oil filter wrench?
Turn the wrench to the left to take the filter off. This is the same as most bolts. It can feel odd when you look up, so check your aim before you pull on it.
How do I know which oil filter wrench size to get?
Check your manual to find the right filter size. If you buy a cup tool, count the flat sides first. A strap wrench fits most cars and is a good tool to keep handy.
Can I use pliers to remove an oil filter?
Only use pliers if the old filter is stuck real tight. The teeth will crush the can. Never use pliers to put a new one on, or you may break the thin metal wall.
How tight should I make the new oil filter?
Spin it on until the rubber touches the engine. Then turn it less than one full turn by hand. Do not use a wrench to tighten it, or it will get stuck next time.
What if my oil filter is stuck and will not turn?
Use a strap tool with sandpaper to help it grip. If that fails, grab the base with big pliers. The metal is thick at the bottom and will not tear when you pull.